UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2025, Download Paper 1 and 2 PDF
UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2025 is best suited for candidates with a background in the same field. Get the complete Mechanical Engineering Optional syllabus 2025, preparation tips, and resources.
Anil Solonki27 Aug, 2025
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UPSC Mechanical engineering involves the design, development, construction, and testing of various systems. Mechanical engineers are responsible for anything that involves motion, including components, machinery, and even the human body. The contributions of mechanical engineers are vital in shaping the technology and infrastructure that propel our contemporary society. Acknowledging its significant contributions, Mechanical Engineering is included as one of the optional subjects in the UPSC syllabus 2025 , alongside Electrical Engineering and Civil Engineering.
The UPSC Mechanical Engineering optional paper is going to be conducted on 31st August 2025. The Mechanical Engineering optional is one of the 48 optional subjects for the UPSC Mains exam. It consists of two papers (Paper I & Paper II), each carrying 250 marks, making a total of 500 marks. Mechanical Engineering as an optional subject in UPSC CSE offers a unique advantage to aspirants with an engineering background. So, if you are looking forward to selecting Mechanical Engineering as your optional subject, you can scroll down to get a comprehensive Mechanical Engineering optional UPSC syllabus 2025 , pros and cons , preparation tips , and recommended books .UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2025
Candidates appearing for Mechanical Engineering can leverage their technical expertise with the right strategy and resources to score high in this paper. However, it requires diligent preparation and an understanding of the exam's demands. So, it is crucial for you to understand the syllabus and exam pattern to get familiar with the exam. Here’s is the complete syllabus of the Mechanical Engineering Optional UPSC exam 2025.UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus for Paper I
The IAS Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper I for the UPSC CSE 2025 offers a deep dive into the core areas of the discipline, covering thermodynamics, cycles and IC engines, heat transfer and refrigeration, fluid mechanics, turbomachinery and power plants. This section of the syllabus challenges aspirants to master both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of these essential topics. Check out the complete syllabus for Paper I from below:| IAS Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper I | |
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1.1 Mechanics of Rigid Bodies
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4.1 Manufacturing Process
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UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2025 for Paper II
IAS Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper II extends the aspirant's focus on the study of engineering materials, mechanisms and machines, manufacturing processes, and industrial engineering. This part of the syllabus demands a comprehensive grasp of the properties of materials, the principles guiding machinery and mechanisms, manufacturing techniques, and industrial engineering. Here is the complete Paper II syllabus 2025 from below:| IAS Mechanical Engineering Optional Paper 2 | |
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1.1 Basic concept of First-law and Second law of Thermodynamics; concept of entropy and reversibility; availability and unavailability and irreversibility. 1.2 Classification and properties of fluids; incompressible and compressible fluids flows; effect of Mach number and compressibility; continuity momentum and energy equations; normal and oblique shocks; one dimensional isentropic flow; flow of fluids in duct with frictions that transfer. 1.3 Flow through fans, blowers and compressors; axial and centrifugal flow configuration; design of fans and compressors; single problems compresses and turbine cascade; open and closed cycle gas turbines; work done in the gas turbine; reheat and regenerators. |
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2.1 Conduction heat transfer —general conduction equation-Laplace, Poisson and Fourier equations; Fourier law of conduction; one dimensional steady state heat conduction applied to simple wall, solid and hollow cylinder and spheres. 2.2 Convection heat transfer —Newton’s law of convection; free and forced convection; heat transfer during laminar and turbulent flow of an incompressible fluid over a flat plate; concepts of Nusselt number, hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layer their thickness; Prandtl number; analogy between heat and momentum transfer—Reynolds, Calbom, Prandtl analogies; heat transfer during laminar and turbulent flow through horizontal tubes; free convection from horizontal and vertical plates. 2.3 Black body radiation —basic radiation laws such as Stefan-Boltzmann, Planck distribution, Wein’s displacement etc. 2.4 Basic heat exchanger analysis ; classification of heat exchangers. |
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3.1 Classification, thermodynamic cycles of operation; determination of brake power, indicated power, mechanical efficiency, heat balance sheet, interpretation of performance characteristics, petrol, gas and diesel engines. 3.2 Combustion in SI and CI engines , normal and abnormal combustion; effect of working parameters on knocking, reduction of knocking; Forms of combustion chamber for SI and CI engines; rating of fuels; additives; emission. 3.4 Different systems of IC engines -fuels; lubricating; cooling and transmission systems. Alternate fuels in IC engines. |
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4.1 Steam generation —modified Rankine cycle analysis; Modern steam boilers; steam at critical and supercritical pressures; draught equipment; natural and artificial draught; boiler fuels solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Steam turbines—Principle; types; compounding; impulse and reaction turbines; axial thrust. 4.2 Steam nozzles —flow of steam in convergent and divergent nozzle pressure at throat for maximum discharge with different initial steam conditions such as wet, saturated and superheated, effect of variation of back pressure; supersaturated flow of steam in nozzles, Wilson line. 4.3 Rankine cycle with internal and external irreversibility; reheat factor; reheating and regeneration, methods of governing; back pressure and pass out turbines. 4.4 Steam power plants —combined cycle power generation; heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) fired and unfired, co-generation plants. |
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5.1 Vapour compression refrigeration cycle —cycle on p-H & T-s diagrams; eco-friendly refrigerants—R 134a. 123; Systems like evaporators, condensers, compressor, expansion devices. Simple vapour absorption systems. 5.2 Psychrometry —properties; processes; charts; sensible heating and cooling; humidification and dehumidification; effective temperature; air-conditioning load calculation; simple duct design. |
UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Exam Pattern 2025
The UPSC Civil Services Exam features Mechanical Engineering as one of its optional subjects, divided into two papers, Paper I and Paper II. Each paper is worth 250 marks, making the total for this optional subject 500 marks. These two papers are part of the nine detailed papers in the UPSC Mains exam. Go through the optional UPSC exam 2025 highlights below to understand better:
| Particular | Details |
| Mains Paper | Paper VI and Paper VII |
| Subjects | Mechanical Optional Paper-I and Mechanical Optional Paper-II |
| Total Marks | 500 (250 Each) |
| Time allowed | 3 Hours for each paper |
| Sections | Section A and Section B |
| Questions | Total 8 questions with subparts |
| Compulsory Question | Question No. 1 and 5 |
| Marks Distribution | 10, 15, and 20 marker questions |
Pros and Cons of UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional
Selecting Mechanical Engineering as an optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 is an essential decision that can significantly influence your performance. Therefore, it is crucial to go through its set of advantages and disadvantages . Understanding these can help candidates make an informed choice, aligning their preparation with their strengths and areas for improvement.Pros Of UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Subject:
Opting for Mechanical Engineering as an optional subject brings with it a suite of benefits. Here you can explore these advantages in more detail, considering how it can be a boon for aspirants from an engineering background:- Candidates who have graduated in this field , will not be starting preparation from scratch as they have already spent years studying the subject.
- With a technical and objective nature , the aspirant who has a strong grasp of the concepts can score higher in Mechanical Engineering.
- Unlike some humanities subjects, Mechanical Engineering has a finite syllabus, making it easier to cover systematically.
- As a subject of science , there is limited scope for subjective interpretation.
- Certain topics in science and technology, energy, environment, and disaster management overlap with Mechanical Engineering, offering additional advantages.
- Candidates who have a genuine interest and passion for Mechanical Engineering may find it more engaging and enjoyable to study this subject as compared to others.
- Besides UPSC CSE, Mechanical engineering can be helpful in other exams such as Indian Engineering Services , Indian Forest examination and other technical examinations.
Cons Of UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Subject:
Despite its benefits, choosing Mechanical Engineering as an optional subject comes with certain challenges. Here are some of the disadvantages of this subject:- Compared to other popular options, there are fewer guidance and coaching resources available for Mechanical Engineering.
- The technical nature of the subject demands significant time investment for concept clarity and practice.
- Fewer candidates choose Mechanical Engineering, resulting in a smaller community to share strategies and insights.
- Limited utility in UPSC Mains General studies and UPSC Prelims examination.
- Mechanical Engineering Optional is generally considered a difficult subject due to its lengthy syllabus and technical nature.
UPSC Mechanical Engineering Optional Tips
Choosing Mechanical Engineering as your optional subject can be a strategic decision that aligns with your academic background and strengths. With the right approach , resources , and consistent effort , Mechanical Engineering can be a highly rewarding optional subject in the UPSC CSE 2025. Here we have provided some tips to help you prepare and cover the complete Mechanical Engineering Optional syllabus:- Thoroughly explore the syllabus and previous years' question papers to understand the exam pattern and frequently asked topics.
- Build a strong conceptual foundation by focusing on clearing your fundamentals.
- Use standard textbooks and UPSC online resources for a comprehensive understanding.
- Practice previous years' papers regularly and take online UPSC mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Mechanical Engineering can often intersect with current technological advancements and innovations. Keeping abreast of these developments can enrich your answers.
- This optional involves a lot of numerical questions . Practice solving these questions regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Regular revision is the most important deciding factor for successful results. Make concise notes while studying and revise them regularly to retain information effectively.
- Focus on answering questions strategically while attempting question paper. Start with questions you are most confident about to gain momentum. Allocate time wisely to each section or based on questions and ensure proper presentation of answers.
- More importantly, it's essential to stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude throughout the preparation journey.
Mechanical Engineering optional UPSC books for Papers I & II
Choosing the right books is crucial for the candidates preparing for the Mechanical Engineering Optional in the UPSC CSE 2025. Here we have provided a selection of recommended Mechanical Engineering optional UPSC books for Papers I and II designed to thoroughly cover the syllabus and strengthen your understanding of both basic and advanced concepts.| Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
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UPSC Mechanical Engineering Syllabus 2024 FAQs
Is Mechanical Engineering a good option for UPSC CSE?
Yes, Mechanical Engineering can be a good option for UPSC IAS Mains if you have a strong background in this field.
How much time is required to prepare for Mechanical Engineering?
The time required for preparation can vary based on your foundation in the subject and study habits. However, on average, dedicated preparation of 10-12 months, with 3-4 hours of study daily, is recommended.
Can non-engineering background students opt for Mechanical Engineering at UPSC?
Yes, any UPSC CSE aspirant can choose Mechanical Engineering as their optional subject. However, it can be challenging for those who don’t have an engineering background.
What is the success rate of Mechanical Engineering as an optional in UPSC CSE?
Based on the statistics of the past 5 years, around 150-220 candidates choose Mechanical Engineering as their optional subject, with a success rate of approximately 10%.
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